Even the title just lets you know exactly what this post is going to be about, but I'll still let you know.
Code Red is done!!!
We are now in the final stages of rolling out my debut novel. EEK, I am beyond excited, tempered only by nerves and a focus on as smooth a release as possible. So where are we at exactly, here's my next steps.
- I've found a cover artist, and we are in process of getting the cover art done. I am also considering getting character art done, but that is not a neccesity for the process.
- One final read through, I am looking for a person to sit down with me and go chapter by chapter and just ensure we have as good a product as possible without a professional editor.
- Formatting. I've found the program I am going to use to format the book, and make it beautiful. I'll be purchasing Atticus as soon as I possiby can.
- Publishing plan. This is specifically where I'll be publishing, I am not going to enroll in Kindle Unlimited, so I can have Code Red on as many platforms as possible. This will include exactly where I'll be getting the physical copies from.
- Pre-Order goes live. Once we are formatted and good to go, I will release the pre-order.
- Marketing. I have a lot of research to do on this particular front, but you can expect TikTok, Facebook Ads, and many other things to try to promote the release of Code Red. A social media prescene is vital for indie authors.
- ARC readers. I'd like advanced reader copies to go out at least two weeks before the release date if not more.
- Release Party! I am working on an idea to be able to actually set up and have a 2-3 hour release party the day Code Red goes live. I'd likje to do this at a local bookstore, advertise it, and have signed copies, cake, and maybe some activities or something to celebrate my first book being published. This certainly isn't a neccesity, but something I'd really like to do for myself.
That probably seems like an incredibly long list, and I won't lie and tell you that it isn't going to be a lot of work. However, I fully believe I can do this, and I am going to release either the last week of March or the first week of April. I am so close to this dream coming to fruition after so many years, overcoming my grief that held me back, and the fear and doubt of doing this has been a long road. Editting has been a long road as well, but I truly believe it will all be worth it.
This journey has never been about making money, I am well aware that it is unlikely my first novel, that has not been handled by a single professional is going to blow up. I'll be happy if just 25 people enjoy the book. No matter what happens, no disappointment or fear will stop me writing and going forward.
Book two is underway, I wrote the prologue this week, and I have to say it blew me out of the water. I rarely feel extremely proud of my own work, but I believe this book may be the best I've ever written. I can only hope Code Red will hook some people to continue with the series.
If you take nothing else from this post, please follow your dreams. It should never be about monetizing your hobbies, but rather being fufilled and happy with yourself. If you never try, it is impossible to suceed. Failures are simply opportunies to learn and improve. I learned over the last year how much I hold myself back, and I can tell you this is simply my first step in being the person I want to be.
Now back to book two, you know I'm not telling you the title anytime soon, but I do have a tentative one that I'm a fan of.
Taila Out.
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